Philosophers like Artistotle
and Descartes used nature to help define their views. What they failed to do
was define nature. But how might one define nature? The dictionary definition
is “the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including
plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth,
as opposed to humans or human creations.” “As opposed to humans or human
creations,” now I understand that a human creation is not natural, but what
about the natural creation of another human? I believe nature can be best
defined as the physical world in its most natural state. All things artificial
and made unnaturally are not natural. Unfortunately, our best examples of
nature and the natural state of the Earth have become limited. What once was
all-natural, has become littered with artificial things.
Thomas Hobbes stated his
opinion on human life in a state of nature, “In such condition, there is
no place for industry; because the fruit thereof is uncertain: and consequently
no culture of the earth; no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be
imported by sea; no commodious building; no instruments of moving, and
removing, such things as require much force; no knowledge of the face of the
earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst
of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man,
solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” I believe that Hobbes opinion of life
in nature is very negative. I would say life in nature would give the most
freedom. If humans lived solely off of nature they would be in many ways free. Knowledge
and money would no longer be the most important aspects of human life but
instead survival and strength. I believe
the earth would be at a much better balance. Animals and humans could coincide
and living off of nature would be healthier for the soul and mind.
What we do not like to admit is that humans are trashing the
earth. We are pushing life, other than human life, to the outskirts. Leaving
only the most favorable locations and areas for human life, as we push nature
away. Nature is life, without it there would be no beauty. The most beautiful art
is not artificial or made by man it is instead the natural earth. Flowers,
trees, animals, oceans, mountains, all of these natural forms are the most
beautiful.
A very appropriate Earth Day post! Hoping your generation continues to raise everyone's consciousness about this, and revive the Earth Day spirit of 1970.
ReplyDelete